CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Solid pitching along with a pair of home runs helped the Charlotte softball team extend its winning streak to five after a 5-2 victory over Sacred Heart, Thursday evening at the D.L. Phillips Complex.

The Niners (5-2 overall), who handed the Pioneers their first loss of the season broke loose in the fifth inning and scored four runs off four hits to take the 5-2 advantage.

The Pioneers were leading the Niners 2-1 after the top of the fifth behind the efforts of three consecutive hits.

But Sacred Heart’s lead was short-lived as Charlotte responded with big bats. Jessie Fennell led off the fifth inning for the 49ers and without hesitation, crushed a first-pitch solo homer over the left field fence to get them going. Chelsea Stamey ripped a double to left field, followed by an Alex Rogers’ single. With runners in scoring position, Briana Gwaltney used a sacrifice fly to drive in Stamey. With two outs, Chelsea Ingersoll cleared the bases with a two-run homer to give Charlotte the 5-2 lead.

Fennell's and Ingersoll's homers were the first for the duo this season. Fennell's home run was her first career homer.

The game was scoreless heading into the bottom of the fourth inning until Kalie Lang’s groundout with bases loaded scored Gwaltney, giving Charlotte the 1-0 advantage.

Ingersoll led Charlotte’s offense and was the only 49er with a multi-hit game. She was 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a run. Sacred Heart’s Jade Bowins led her team with two hits. The 49ers tallied seven hits and the Pioneers finished with five.

Katie Watkins recorded the win in the circle and improved to 3-2. Her performance included a season-high eight strikeouts and she tossed a no-hitter until the fifth inning.

Nicole Sidor took the loss for the Pioneers and finished with six strikeouts.

Charlotte was scheduled to host the 49ers Invitational on Friday, Feb. 22. However, those games have been canceled. Make sure to check www.charlotte49ers.com for Saturday’s updated schedule of the 49ers Invitational.